We are nearing the end of 2019 with the milestone year 2020 arriving in just couple of days. The ushering in of a new year brings an abundance of predictions of what to expect and solutions to consider. These predictions will most likely include the continued growth of Fintech, the ongoing omni-channel shift, the further […]
Using Strategic Foresight to Look Ahead to 2030 Read More »
The 69th annual GOOD DESIGN Award winners have been announced, and SLD is proud to have been recognized in the Environments category for the Nu Skin flagship store. Located in Shenzhen, China, the state-of-the–art experience center incorporates Nu Skin’s history and high-quality products. “Winning a GOOD DESIGN Award is a great way to cap off
SLD Wins 2019 GOOD DESIGN Award Read More »
As we approach 2020 and a new decade, there are arguably more questions than there are answers for what the future of retail design will look like. Every year it seems we have a new “most interesting store in the world” that boasts the latest technology and design trends, but what has staying power still remains to
What Will Retail Design Look Like in 2020? Read More »
With the surge in consumer demand for things that are better, faster and more convenient, the past decade has had a wealth of challenges and opportunities for CPG brands. As we put this eventful decade behind us, it’s time for businesses to prepare for a strong sprint into 2020. Here are some top packaging trends
Packaging Trends to Keep an Eye On Read More »
Men’s apparel has undergone major shifts as workwear becomes more casual and at the same time more men are interested, or at least curious about being fashionable. So how then do you take a classic menswear brand into the future? Today we’re talking to Lance Itkoff, CEO of the iconic men’s wear brand Tip Top.
Lessons in Updating Your Retail Store Experience Read More »
Agency Spotter has released its latest Top 50 Branding Agencies Report, and SLD is proud to have ranked #9 on a list in which almost 2,000 branding agencies were evaluated. Based on credentials, expertise, client feedback and project work, Agency Spotter’s quarterly report highlights the top branding agencies from around the globe. SLD is just
SLD Makes “Top 50 Branding Agencies” List Read More »
In 2019, the retail landscape experienced a significant transformation, shifting from traditional stores to innovative concepts that embraced the idea of “retail PLUS.” These forward-thinking retail spaces redefined the shopping experience, emphasizing more than just the act of purchasing. Instead, they became places for experimentation, entertainment, learning, and play. One such trendsetter in this evolving
Inspiring Retail Concepts from 2019 Read More »
Consumers have made a significant shift to shopping and banking online and through their mobile devices. Despite this, the promised benefits of utilizing mobile to make the bricks-and-mortar experience more convenient and engaging have not yet come to fruition. Mobile devices have evolved significantly, but the bandwidth that serves as their backbone has not, leaving
5 Insights for a 5G World Read More »
The majority of companies today are going through varying degrees of transformation to remain competitive. The changes range from improving efficiencies through new technologies and processes to rethinking supply chain in order to gain greater value. Irrespective of the degree or area of change, the biggest challenge in ensuring organizational change is executed quickly is
5 Ways To Ensure Your Employees Embrace Change Read More »
As the applications for Artificial Intelligence (AI) become broader, we are told to expect a brave new world. In spite of the hype around smart machines, the truth is that we don’t know how an onslaught of robot workers will change the planet, and for retailers, how that will directly affect their business. What we
How Retail Brands Can Leverage AI Read More »
By now, most organizations have completed their annual planning process, and the board is giving its final blessing. As companies prepare their plans, there is much concern about what next year will bring, from a possible recession and increased trade wars to the rise of environmental and socially driven issues. To add to the planning
Three Keys to a Strategic Foresight Initiative Read More »
As retailers look to provide a credible response to the online-only threat of companies such as Amazon and eBay, the option for buying online and picking-up in store (BOPIS) is gaining traction. The initiative is part of a larger focus on providing customers with greater convenience, from speeding up delivery and reducing inefficiencies, to better leveraging
How to Deliver the Best BOPIS Experience Read More »
There was a time when everybody made their own clothes or had them made by a tailor or seamstress. You had only a few things in your wardrobe, but they fit you perfectly and were made to last. Fast forward to today, we’ve got ubiquitous, cheap, fast clothing in abundance but there’s a wave rising
The Keys to a Bespoke Apparel Experience Read More »
As part of The International Trade Council’s 2019 Think Global Conference, SLD was happy to attend the Go Global Awards on October 23 in Chicago, and to be awarded Business of the Year in the category of Retail and eCommerce – Marketing. “We are beyond excited to be recognized by such a prestigious organization,” says
International Trade Council Names SLD a Business of the Year Read More »
The companies that truly succeed are those that get off the “follow the leader tread mill” and focus on what truly is relevant to their customers. It’s not about omni-channel or what you think you know. It’s about the insights your customers are not telling you. Those deep emotional needs that current companies are not
Does Your Brand Have A Lasting Legacy? Read More »
Trends come and some go while others mark permanent industry shifts. It can be hard to figure out when to invest in a new idea and when to walk away. In this episode, we speak with Janet Groeber, Director of the Retail Design Institute and Susan Reda, VP of Education Strategies from the National Retail Federation about what’s hot
Retail Trends To Keep an Eye On Read More »
Personalization is a retail trend that everyone is trying to figure out – and with good reason. Positive experiences with personalization can boost the number of items purchased, amount of money spent and net promoter scores, according to a BCG-Google Customer Survey. However, there are some pitfalls brands need to be aware of when developing a strategy to offer more personalized experiences. Pitfall #1:
Personalization Pitfalls Retail Brands Need to Avoid Read More »
Packaging is a complex and evolving topic. It’s one third of CPG and one fourth of the 4 P’s of Marketing, therefore a crucial consumer-facing element in any strategy. So it comes as no surprise that a great technique to generate buzz and potentially gain viral status is leveraging the best and most accessible canvas:
Packaging Strategies That Will Get People Talking Read More »
Emotions drive the majority of our purchase decisions and most are at a deep rooted subconscious level. Our previous blog on neuroscience research reviewed the new tools available for marketers that are wanting a stronger understanding of how their customers feel towards various research stimuli. However, there are a variety of factors marketers and retailers can consider
Increasing Sales With The Five Emotional Levers Read More »
There are various types of research and it can be difficult to determine when best to use them as you look to gain insights throughout the transformation process for both internal and external stakeholder validation. To assist in planning and implementing a consumer study here is a worksheet with eight easy-to-follow and understand steps. WHAT
Worksheet: Finding the Insights that Drive Foresight Read More »
